Magic Wand tool

[KRUMPLE]

I don't know why this is so hard for me to remember how to do. I want to remove an item from a white background to save and use in other pictures. I use the magic wand tool to select the item but then I get lost. I have done this before but my mind went totally blank. Could someone PLEASE tell me the step by step instructions on how this is done. I promise to print out the steps and keep them handy.
Thanks

[JudyL]

Can you tell me please which version of elements you are using?

[KRUMPLE]

I am using 5.0

[Diana]

If you're working on the background layer, you'll need to make it into a regular layer in order to remove the background. Hold the Alt key and double-click the background layer.

Now click on the white background with the Magic Wand tool to select it, then press the Delete key.

Hope this works for you.

Diana

[frank abramonte]

KRUMPLE, if you're using the magic wand on the white background then you must then go to Select>Inverse which will isolate the image from the background.
At this time you can move the image without the background.

1. Click on the white background.
Use the lowest tolerance possible, good starting point is 10.
This can be adjusted up or down depending on whether or not it's selecting the entire image you want.
By holding down the shift key, you can continue to add to your selection, and even change the tolerance.
2. Go to Select>Inverse.
This will isolate the image you want from the background.
3. Move the selected image with the move tool.

[Hankw]

If you want to save the selection, go to selection> save selection, name it and then save. When you want to use that selection again, go to select> load selection, and it bring that selection back whenever you need it.